Human Psychomotor Performance Under the Exposure to Mobile Phones-Like Electromagnetic Fields

Abstract

The first studies on humans addressing cognitive functioning changes as a consequence of radiofrequency (RF) EMFs exposure date back to almost 20 years ago. The effects on human behavior showed in those pioneering works indicated an improvement of performance under the exposure to the signal, compared with sham exposure. These first and striking results were not fully replicated by subsequent studies that were characterized by a more methodological robustness and attention to exposure aspects. In accordance with this view, latest reviews and metanalyses have confirmed the paucity of evidence and the lack of reliability of psychomotor and cognitive effects of acute RF EMF exposure on human volunteers, particularly when assessed in well controlled laboratory settings. Thus, despite the public opinion about potential biologic effects of acute RF EMFs irradiation, it can be concluded that to date there is substantial lack of evidence about a negative influence of non-ionizing radiations on cognitive functioning in humans.